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A decrease in blood donors following the winter holidays has resulted in an immediate need for O negative blood donors in order to continue to avoid a critical situation.

We are experiencing an O negative blood shortage, which has the capability to become critical before the end of the week. The extreme weather predicted adds another layer of concern, underscoring the immediate need for O negative donors to provide for patient needs through the week.

People who are eligible to give blood and know they have an O negative blood type are needed immediately. Persons who are unaware of their blood type are also being asked to donate now, as it will be tested upon collection. Donations of all blood types are needed to replenish consistent patient use.

O negative is the universal donor, meaning that all blood types can receive O negative blood. O negative blood is needed for transfusions where the patient's blood type is not known or is O negative. Blood transfusions are a part of many life-saving treatments, including those for trauma incidents, blood disorders, and cancer among many others.

LifeShare Blood Center in Alexandria is located at 2051 North Mall Drive. To locate a mobile blood drive, make an appointment, or for more information call (318) 445-7439 or go to www.lifeshare.org.

Lisa Hickman, RN

Alexandria

Internet speed

I am very concerned about big telecom giants forcing websites into a slow lane on the Internet, and the FCC just announced they're going to make their final decision on this in a matter of weeks.

President Barack Obama already made the strongest possible statement in support of Net Neutrality, and specifically asked the FCC to reclassify Internet services under Title II of the Communications Act. Now it's time for the FCC and our members of Congress to come out in support of the open Internet. Reclassifying Internet services under the Communications Act is the only way to guarantee that the Internet is maintained as an open playing field.

Any decision-maker that does not support reclassification should be held to account. I encourage each and every American to learn more about big telecom's plan to slow down access to our favorite websites at http://StopTheSlowdown.net.

Douglas Bryan

Pineville

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